The Shrimp City Report Podcast (Charleston, South Carolina)

Duante Brown    Trell Lee

In this episode we sit down with Charleston filmmaker Dante Brown and actor Trell Lee to talk about their upcoming Lowcountry-set feature The Boonkey Trail. Dante, a Johns Island and downtown Charleston native, walks us through the film’s origins, his writing process, the local influences that shaped the story, and why he chose to root this horror/comedy in authentic Charleston culture. Trell — Dante’s cousin and a natural comic presence — discusses his character and what it’s like being cast by someone who grew up alongside him.

Topics include the film’s tone and visual style (a colorful, trippy horror with summer-comedy energy), cinematic influences like the Japanese horror Cure and classic comedies, and the deliberate choice to highlight Gullah–Geechee folklore and Charleston myths. Dante describes how research with family members and local lore informed the screenplay, including haunted figures such as the Boo Hag, the enigmatic motorbike man, and other “haints” woven into the story.

We cover production details: the creative team (producers Jake Clancy and Alex, DP Dr. Glover), current development status, permitting and location conversations with the City of Charleston, and plans to shoot crowd-driven scenes at Charleston City Market. Dante shares other planned locations like Dock Street Theater exteriors, Cypress Gardens, Angel Oak, and the Battery, and explains why the premiere will be right here in Charleston when the time comes.

We also talk about about casting and crew logistics, the guerrilla filmmaking spirit Dante admires, and his desire to keep production and spending as local as possible while also seeking outside collaborators and funding. The episode includes a call for extras, local support, and investors — with details on how to follow and contact the team for updates, casting notices, and sponsorship opportunities.  

Throughout the conversation we also get a taste of local flavor — from Dante and Trell’s upbringing on Johns Island to a light-hearted Shrimp City moment where they debate the best way to eat shrimp — giving listeners both behind-the-scenes movie talk and an authentic snapshot of Lowcountry life.

Follow The Bunky Trail on Instagram and TikTok at @boonkeytrail for production updates and casting calls; you can also find Dante on Instagram at @dentyne_3. Tune in for an inside look at a homegrown Charleston film blending folklore, comedy, and horror — and learn how you can be part of it.

ALEXANDER H. MONTGOMERY
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
(843) 957 5491
amontgomery@stainedglassmosaicproductions.com

JAKE CLANCY
PRODUCER & FIRST AD
(508) 654 2656
jclancy@stainedglassmosaicproductions.com

DAUNTE BROWN
WRITER, DIRECTOR, & PRODUCER
(843) 478 5298
dbrown@stainedglassmosaicproductions.com

ALL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND RIGHTS RESERVED BY DAUNTE BROWN AND STAINED GLASS MOSAIC PRODUCTIONS